Donald Trump said Iran is in serious talks with the United States as American military forces increase their presence in the region. At the same time Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attack would lead to a wider regional conflict. The US president said he hopes the talks will result in an outcome that is acceptable. Iran top security official Ali Larijani also said that progress is being made toward a framework for negotiations. Trump has warned he may take action against Iran because of its nuclear goals and its harsh response to anti government protests. Khamenei said the Americans should understand that if they start a war it will not stay limited and will spread across the region.
Iran plans to hold a two day naval drill starting Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz. This sea route is very important for global oil and energy supplies. Nearly one fifth of the world oil passes through this narrow area. At its narrowest point it is only thirty three kilometers wide between Iran and Oman. Iran has warned before that it could block the strait if it is attacked.
The United States has warned Iran to avoid dangerous actions near US forces in the region. As part of its military buildup the US has sent the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to nearby waters. American military officials say the ship is now operating in the Arabian Sea.
Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the US is trying to control how Iran armed forces train in their own region. On Saturday two explosions caused fear across Iran. In the southern port city of Bandar Abbas one person was killed and fourteen were injured. Officials said the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
Reports on social media claimed a Revolutionary Guards commander was targeted but Tasnim news agency denied this. In the city of Ahvaz another explosion killed at least four people. Authorities again blamed a gas leak. Earlier Trump said Iran must meet two conditions to avoid US military action. He said Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and must stop killing protesters. A US based human rights group says more than six thousand three hundred people have been killed since protests began in late December. Another group based in Norway warned the number could be even higher.
Protesters told the BBC that security forces used extreme violence. On Sunday Iran leader Khamenei said protesters attacked police the Revolutionary Guards and public buildings.
